10 Odd and Surprising Ways Junk Food Will Help Around the House

Junk food will ruin you, but that doesn't mean it's all bad: it all comes down to how you use it. If you try hard enough you can find alternative uses for everything, including food. These ten examples are only a small sampling of what you can do with unhealthy food (besides eating it).

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If you're not going to eat it, you might as well get some use out of it. "If Coca-Cola will do that to a garden, do you really want it in your body?"

1.

Bubble Gum Treats Heartburn

For those suffering from acid reflux, bubble gum can help:chewing a piece or two combats heartburn by bringing fluid to the stomach and sending saliva to the esophagus, neutralizing the burning sensation. Ginger gum also has the bonus of fighting nausea and irritability.

2.

Dark Chocolate Against Tooth Decay

Clinical studies from 2000 suggest that dark chocolate (and not milk chocolate—that's important!) can help fight tooth decay, going against conventional wisdom. On top of that, cocoa extract may be more effective against plaque and cavities than fluoride.

3.

Coca-Cola Your Compost Pile

If you've got a green-thumb, give this a try: take a flat bottle or can of Coca-Cola and pour it over your compost pile. The acidic qualities will help break down organic material while the sweetness of the drink will attract micro-organism to speed up the composting process.

4.

Peanut Shells to Clean Your Floor

Ever been in a restaurant where customers toss peanut shells on the floor? This actually serves a purpose: the oil in the shells help to clean and maintain the floor. Of course, this only works with hardwood floors, so don't get carried away with it.

5.

Beer for Better Hair

Flat beer can help revitalize flat hair. Just mix one egg yolk with one cup of lager and massage it into your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing normally. It takes a few daily washes before it takes effect. Of course, this can be pretty expensive so it's not practical to do it on the regular.